Charting the Journey of Classic Slots from Arcade to their Online Version

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear “classic”? We bet, most of you would associate it with something old and outdated. But, in reality, it’s just the other way round as something that has established itself as timeless and original. Classic slots are exactly so! These take passionate gamblers to the golden days of Las Vegas and evokes a retro feel.

In the past, these were referred to as the one-armed bandits, which necessitated either cash or a paper ticket with a barcode to participate in gambling and pulling of a lever to activate the machines. However, as time rolled by, these developed into classic online slots versions with superb graphics, thrilling animations and remarkable paylines. Thanks to the rapid advancement in technology brought about by gambling software developers! This is probably what makes them a hit among players still today. Moreover, finding classic slots online is quite easy today as they are featured in popular online casinos like Vulkan Vegas.

A Brief History of Classic Slots

Though the origins of slots date back to the year 1891, when Charles August Fey launched the world’s first slot machine titled Liberty Bell, classic slots only appeared in the scene in 1907. However, only its design was invented. The credit for unveiling the first slot machine in the name of Operator Bell, featuring BAR symbols, goes to Hebert Mills. Later, in the 1960s, classic slots made their way to the gaming establishments of Las Vegas and all across the United States of America. The one that drew the greatest attention in those times was Bally’s Money Honey, which featured electromechanical design and a prize amount of 500 coins in a spin to the lucky ones.

It was only until the late 70’s that gamblers from all around the world witnessed video slots and online slots subsequently in the mid-1990s. Despite the advent of them, these could hardly outperform the classic ones, available online with evolved reels and bonus features. The fact that these were simple and supported no-nonsense playing made them popular before the eyes of players.

Features of Online Classic Slots

The contemporary world today is a spectator to a certain pattern similar in almost every online classic slot. Let’s have a look at the features dominating them.

• 3 reels

Though classic slot machines have come a long way, the presence of limited reels of 3 still dominates the picture. You will notice them turning on the screen, the moment you hit the spin button.

• 1-5 paylines

Fewer paylines of minimum one and maximum five is another significant feature, differentiating classic slots from its multi-payline cousins. Yes, it’s no secret that fewer reels contribute to lower win chances but software suppliers have taken care of it as well by introducing 5 paylines to 3-reeled retro ones. In a way, it’s suitable for players with tight budgets and although the frequency of generating wins is low, the payouts tend to be more generous than other slot types.

• Coin value ranges between £0.01-£100

Unlike the multi-payline modern slots, classic online slots typically offer limited betting options, where the coin denomination ranges between £0.01 and £100.

• Fruit symbols

Though a common characteristic feature of such classic online slots is their symbols, which mostly revolve around cherries, plums and lemons, making them instantly recognisable, many of them today boasts other icons as well.

• Simple design

Yet another distinguishing feature of online classic slots is their simplified design with elements neatly adorning them. The lack of graphic details might be a point of criticism for you, but not for the beginners, who enjoy minimalism and straightforward gameplay.

• Nominal bonus features

The bonus features of online classic slots indeed boast minimal bonus features, but you will find wilds in quite a few of them, acting as a catalyst and multiplier icons to complete a winning combination. There are others featuring bonus game rounds and progressive jackpots today, available only to players placing the highest bet.

Recognising online classic slots from the repertoire of games displayed by casinos has been effortless because of the discussed features.

Top Classic Slots to Play Online

Despite being overshadowed by graphic-rich cousins, online classic slots still enjoy the limelight. Two of them have been compiled for you to gamble on and grasp the typical features prevalent in them.

• Total Overdrive

It’s a neon-themed video slot hailing from the portfolio of Betsoft, flaunting familiar looking icons of cherries, bars and sevens on a 3×5 grid set. The major attractions of this classic slot are multipliers, wild symbol and an outstanding return to player figure of 97%.

• Hit it Hard

Developed by Elk Studios, this vintage-themed classic slot is an exception in the list of superb quality games featuring plenty of reels, as boasted by this software provider. Besides a promising 96.3% RTP, enjoy wild symbol, multiplier and free spins in this old-school variant. Also, the betting limits are quite flexible, ranging between $0.20 and $100.

Go Back to Your Retro Roots!

No matter how technology advances and new features roll out, online classic slots shall forever enjoy the limelight that it has received since the 19^th century. And as most of them are available on mobile devices, enabling gambling on the move, it will be tough to beat the popularity it enjoys. Despite the wide choices, it still occupies a special place in both the gamblers’ hearts and the software providers’ portfolio of games.